Punitive damages have the purpose of punishing defendants so they will think twice before they act in the same manner that caused harm to a plaintiff. The purpose of Punitive damages is to change the conduct of the defendant and also to change the conduct of others in the same industry that will think twice about conducting their business in the same fashion. In doing so the amount awarded be excess of the actual damages sustained by a plaintiff.
Punitive damages are not designed to recoup a plaintiff for losses of damages. The purpose of punitive punishes the defendant so that they and others are deterred from perusing the same actions. Punitive damages are no frequently awarded in civil cases. Most states have strict ruled that limit the issuance of punitive damages. Many states as well as the Supreme Court in the case of BMW of North America, Inc. v. Gore, have restricted the amount that can be awarded.
“INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ADJUSTERS ROUTINELY DENY AND REFUSE TO PAY JUST INSURANCE CLAIMS IN CALIFORNIA”